"Horse Happiness is Key to 'Malsanup' Survival"

"Approximately 500,000 people annually gain physical and mental healing through horseback riding. Additionally, about 10 million people visit racehorse parks each year to enjoy the thrilling gallop of horses and spend their weekends. Horses, which provide us not only with enjoyment but also with jobs and industry, undoubtedly hold a meaning beyond that of simple industrial animals." (Kim Jin-gap, Director of the Korea Racing Authority Horse Welfare Center)

Jin-Gab Kim, Director of the Horse Welfare Center at Korea Racing Authority.

The number of pet owners in Korea has surpassed 13 million. About 25% of the population accepts pets as family members, and along with the growth of pet culture, awareness of animal welfare is rapidly expanding. The National Assembly and government are also continuously promoting policies and bills such as special legislation to ban dog meat consumption and comprehensive measures to improve animal healthcare. While newly emerging animal welfare policies mainly focus on companion dogs and cats, the Korea Racing Authority is leading efforts to enhance horse welfare and striving for animal welfare without blind spots.

On the 13th, Kim Jin-gap, Director of the Korea Racing Authority Horse Welfare Center, said, "Horse welfare in our country is still in its early stages, but consensus on the importance of horse welfare is rapidly expanding among those involved in the horse industry," adding, "Together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Korea Racing Authority is implementing diverse and effective policies to improve horse welfare."

In 2019, the Korea Racing Authority formed the Horse Welfare Committee and announced the 'Horse Welfare Guidelines.' Since then, it has organized groups such as the retired racehorse management task force (TF) to promote welfare improvements throughout the horse's life cycle. The Horse Welfare Center, established as a dedicated organization in April last year for the systematic execution and development of horse welfare projects, continues multifaceted activities by establishing visions, strategic tasks, and mid- to long-term roadmaps for horse welfare.

To enhance horse welfare, the Korea Racing Authority conducts various projects tailored to the horse's life cycle, from the moment a horse is born until the end of its life. The Authority researches and commercializes 'imprinting and habituation,' which applies the trust and intimacy formed through the first contact an animal has after birth to foals, enabling them to form harmonious and natural relationships with humans from an early age. Proper early habituation contributes to protecting horses from safety accidents and training stress.

Kim Jin-gap, Director of the Korea Racing Authority Horse Welfare Center, is stroking a horse while explaining the importance of the horse industry.

Medical support is provided for grown racehorses. Since racehorses may not receive treatment due to economic reasons, medical support and rehabilitation for sufficient rest are offered. Additionally, the Korea Racing Authority holds retired racehorse riding conversion training projects and exclusive riding competitions for retired racehorses so that they can enjoy a second life as riding horses after their racing careers end. Furthermore, starting this year, the Authority introduced the 'Honorary Racehorse Rest Program,' which provides excellent retired racehorses with a comfortable life after retirement.

The funding for horse welfare projects is raised through a 1:1 contribution to the 'Thoroughbred Welfare Fund' by racehorse owners and the Korea Racing Authority, the racing operator. Starting this year, 2 billion KRW will be raised annually, totaling 10 billion KRW over five years, for the Thoroughbred Welfare Fund. Through this fund, 45 horses have received support for injury diagnosis, surgery, rehabilitation, and regular check-ups to date. The Korea Racing Authority plans to expand the scale of projects considering the infrastructure and personnel of animal hospitals at each racetrack.

Alongside this, the Korea Racing Authority plans to introduce a horse welfare certification system and incentives for private riding clubs in the future to encourage efforts to improve horse welfare in the riding industry. Director Kim said, "Welfare projects are fully supported only by the Thoroughbred Welfare Fund, but there are limitations on the scope of use and sustainability issues," adding, "The tax rate on Korea's horse racing revenue is 16%, which is higher compared to advanced overseas horse racing countries (UK 4%, Singapore 6.7%, Japan 10%, Hong Kong 12%). If part of the tax could be allocated to the horse welfare fund, more stable funding could be secured."

Kim Jin-gap, Director of the Korea Racing Authority Horse Welfare Center, is stroking a horse while explaining the importance of the horse industry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.